Prez launches national fundraising campaign for 2026 World Cup, Minister pledges transparency

The Government of Ghana has officially launched a national fundraising campaign to support the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, pledging full transparency and accountability in the management of resources.

The event, held in Accra, was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, government officials, corporate executives, celebrities, media representatives, and football supporters. It marked the beginning of a structured effort to mobilize financial support for the national team as they prepare for the global tournament.

In his keynote address, Minister Adams recalled a pivotal directive from President Mahama regarding the need to rebuild confidence in Ghana’s sports sector. He assured stakeholders that the campaign would be managed with strict visibility and accountability to foster trust and attract both local and corporate investment.

“Our goal is to mobilize support in a structured way that ensures visibility, accountability, and confidence,” Minister Adams stated. “The FIFA World Cup remains the most powerful global platform in sport, with billions of viewers worldwide. Ghana, as a recognized football nation with a proud history, is well-positioned to make a significant impact.”

He highlighted the strategic importance of Ghana’s group stage fixtures, particularly the highly anticipated match against England, noting that such high-profile games offer prime exposure for sponsors and brands. “This is an opportunity for brands to connect with audiences across continents and for Ghana to showcase its talent and passion on the world stage,” he added.

To encourage broad public participation, the government introduced the World Cup Raffle, a initiative allowing Ghanaians to contribute directly to the campaign fund. Citizens can participate by dialing *899# or visiting ghworldcupraffle.com. Participants stand to win an all-expenses-paid trip to support the Black Stars at the World Cup, along with other prizes such as match tickets, jerseys, and airtime.

The Minister also called on the corporate sector to deepen its involvement, urging businesses to encourage staff engagement with the campaign. “When your staff participate, the collective impact is amplified,” he said.

Minister Adams further expressed appreciation for President Mahama’s visible leadership, including a recent visit to the Black Stars’ training grounds, which he said had boosted team morale ahead of the qualifiers. “Your support matters deeply, and our players are preparing with focus and discipline to represent Ghana with pride,” he assured.

The campaign signals a concerted effort by the state to ensure the Black Stars receive robust backing as they aim to make a mark on world football’s biggest stage.